Kon Tum to Suong: A Road Trip Guide

Kon Tum, a provincial capital in Vietnam's Central Highlands, sits at the confluence of the Dak Bla and Dak Nang rivers, a city known for its seminary and wooden churches. Suong, a small town to the southeast, marks the end of this ~150 km route that winds through mountain passes and river valleys. The drive typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours on national highway QL24, but plan for delays due to trucks and weather.

The route ascends to 1,200 meters at the Dak Nang Pass, with steep grades and hairpin turns; drive in low gear and use engine braking. During the rainy season (May to October), fog and slippery surfaces are common, so reduce speed. Rest stops are limited: an official rest area at km 70 offers picnic tables and toilets, and a small riverside stop near Km 95 is ideal for stretching. For families, the Dak Glei suspension bridge is a highlight, and kids will enjoy spotting cattle and buffalo along the road. However, bring snacks and water, as there are few convenience stores. The route is pet-friendly if you keep your dog on a leash at rest stops; there are no vet clinics along the way, so plan for emergencies. To avoid fatigue, plan to stop every hour for 10 minutes; the highway has several pull-offs. For local culture, you'll pass through several villages of the Gia Rai and Ba Na ethnic minorities; if you stop, you may see traditional longhouses or weaving. The drive is worth it for those who appreciate mountain scenery and authentic highland culture, but if you hate winding roads, reconsider.

QL24 is National Route 24, connecting Kon Tum to the coastal lowlands. The road is mostly two-lane asphalt in good condition, but some sections have potholes, especially after heavy rain. Fuel stations are sparse: there is one in Dak Glei (about 55 km in) and another just before Suong. Fill up in Kon Tum, as diesel and petrol prices are around 24,000 VND/liter. The route has no tolls. For real-time traffic, consider checking local GPS apps, as some segments lack mobile coverage.

• Road quality: good asphalt, but watch for potholes in remote stretches.
• Fuel: stations limited to Dak Glei and Suong; refuel in Kon Tum.
• Costs: no tolls; fuel cost ~200,000 VND for a typical car.

As you leave Kon Tum, the Ngoc Linh mountain range rises to the west, blanketed in primary forest. The Dak Bla River parallels the road for the first 30 km, with several viewpoints for photography. A short detour (10 km) leads to the Kon Ka Kinh National Park, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, where you can spot rare gray-shanked douc langurs. The landscape transitions to rolling hills and rubber plantations as you approach Dak Glei. Local markets in Dak Glei sell highland specialties like brocade weaving and wild honey. For food, try a pho stall in Dak Glei or a roadside café serving ca phe sua da (iced coffee). Remember: the best stops Kon Tum to Suong often are unmarked, so use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities as a guide.